Holidays at Home

Even in wartime life on the Home Front could be relieved by a well-earned break

By Tim Warner

In the Second World War, when transport was limited and the coastal regions of Britain were a mass of barbed wire and landmines laid against invasion, the government came up a novel way of giving the war-weary populace a break from the fighting.

The 'Holidays at Home' movement was picked up by local councils with each town and village organising upto a fortnight of locally based events and entertainment activities.

Holidays at Home encouraged people to remain in their local area and avoid using the overstretched rail and road sevices. It also helped foster a sense of community and boost morale.